The poll found also that consumers in Russia are bold when it comes to DIY. One in five of them are prepared to tackle structural alterations to their homes without the help of a tradesman.

Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher’s chief executive, said that sales of thick wallpaper are particularly strong in Russia as walls in people’s houses are not always flat, meaning that they look blotchy when painted.

Kingfisher’s survey – called the European Home Report 2012 – found that a third of people buy DIY products online. Internal painting and decorating was the most popular DIY activity, followed by 'home furnishing', and installing a new bathroom or kitchen.

It also found that Britons are the least bothered about living in an eco-friendly home than people in other countries.

Kingfisher said that 72 per cent of Britons believe it is important to live in an eco-friendly home, compared to 89 per cent of Russians and 96 per cent of homeowners in Turkey.